This blog focuses on men who want to pursue biblical wisdom by reading through the chapter in the book of Proverbs that corresponds to the current calendar date.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Releasing the Heavy Load of Anxiety

Life is full of uncertainty, trials, and challenges. It is easy to get our focus on the "what ifs". What if this happens? What if this doesn't happen? This can create a heavy load called anxiety and worry. Proverbs 12:25a puts it this way, "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down". Is your heart heavy today? Do you have this cloudy feeling that is closing in on you? What you need is a good word. "But a good word makes it (your heart) glad" (Proverbs 12:25b, italics mine). What better place to find a good word than from the sufficient Word of God. Instead of focusing on the "what ifs" we need to dwell on the "what is" (The Truth) and "who is" (The Source of Truth).

The strangle hold of worry, fear and stress is released by the good Word of Truth. Listen to these words and be glad.

John 14:26-27

26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Philippians 4:4-9

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:13

13I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Colossians 3:1-4

1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:15-17

15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Proverbs 29:25

25 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Proverbs 20:22

22 Do not say, "I'll pay you back for this wrong!" Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.

2 Timothy 1:7

7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.